Socio-Economic Determinants of Safe Pesticide Use among Vegetable Growers in Jaipur District: A Multivariate and Machine Learning Analysis

Abstract

Vegetable production is a cornerstone of Rajasthan’s agricultural economy, particularly in Jaipur District, but faces challenges from biotic stresses. Safe and informed pesticide use is critical to mitigate these losses while minimizing health and environmental risks. Understanding the socio-economic factors that influence pesticide utilization behavior (PUB) among vegetable growers is essential for promoting sustainable practices in this region. The study was conducted in Bassi and Amber tehsils of Jaipur District, selected for their prominence in vegetable cultivation. Four villages per tehsil were randomly selected, and 15 vegetable growers per village were chosen, yielding 120 respondents. Correlation analysis examined relationships between socio-economic factors and PUBs. Structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood estimation and robust corrections for ordinal data modeled a latent construct of PUB predicted by socio-economic variables. Decision tree analysis validated key predictors. This study underscores the critical role of socio-economic factors, particularly crop diversity, in shaping pesticide use behaviors. By integrating multivariate and machine learning approaches, it provides actionable insights for policymakers and extension services to design targeted interventions, enhancing sustainable vegetable production and reducing health and environmental risks in Jaipur District and similar regions.